UPCOMING 2004 MODEL YEAR FINAL ORDER DUE DATES, INCENTIVE DEADLINES, PLANT CLOSINGS
Ford Early Order Incentive and Free Taurus ABS December 31, 2003 is the deadline for the Ford Early Order Incentive Program and Free Taurus ABS. Vehicles ordered with either of these incentive programs must be produced by March 31, 2004 to qualify. Ford's Early Order Incentives are compatible with National Fleet Incentives and Competitive Price Agreements (CPA). GM Early Order Bonus To receive GM's Early Order Bonus, orders must be received by no later than January 2, 2004 and delivered by March 31, 2004. Eligible out-of-stock units must be delivered by January 2, 2004. GM's Early Order Bonus is compatible with the National Fleet Incentive Program but not with the Competitive Assistance Program (CAP). Upcoming Plant Downtimes DaimlerChrysler, Ford and General Motors will be closed for the holidays beginning December 24, 2003 through January 2, 2004. |
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2005 Ford Focus
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The Ford Focus will receive design and engineering improvements for the 2005 model year and will again offer four unique body styles but with new, simpler model and trim designations. The range includes a three-door hatchback (ZX3), a four-door sedan (ZX4), a five-door hatchback (ZX5) and a station wagon (ZXW). The entry-level trim series is S, followed by SE and SES, which have higher levels of standard equipment and unique options. New for 2005, a Focus ZX4 ST performance sedan has been added to the line up. This sedan will combine chassis components from Ford of Europe's Focus ST170 and the SVT Focus with a 150-horsepower, 2.3-liter Duratec engine. Ford estimates that the 2005 Focus fleet will produce 32 percent less smog-forming pollution than its 2004 fleet. But at the same time, base horsepower will rise 24 percent and fuel economy is expected to improve slightly.
By model, standard equipment includes:
Every 2005 Focus receives a new front-end treatment that picks up cues from Ford's new flagship sedan, the Five Hundred, which will be unveiled at the 2004 North American International Auto Show in January, and Ford of Europe's Mondeo. The 2005 Focus order bank is scheduled to open January 12, 2004 and production begins in April. |
DAIMLERCHRYSLER LAUNCHES 2005 MINIVANS
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For the 2005 Model Year, Chrysler Group is offering a freshened line of minivans, including the Caravan, Grand Caravan and Town & Country. Order banks for these models are now open and production is set to begin early next year. Changes for the Chrysler Town & Country Limited include a prominent winged badge the entire width of the grille, which now features four horizontal chromed bars. In addition, the front-end appearance integrates new dual headlamps and a new fascia that includes a molded-in license plate pocket and circular fog lamps. Chromed fascia inserts complete the Limited's new front-end appearance. A bright roof rack and new cladding with chromed inserts highlight the side view along with 16-inch chrome clad wheels with monochromatic Chrysler-badged center caps. A new rear fascia includes chromed inserts with four integrated sensors for the rear detection system. Inside there is a new Sycamore wood appearance integrated into the center stack with a satin silver surround. The wood/satin silver appearance continues on the door bolsters and throughout the interior. Chrysler's chromed winged badge is now integrated into the steering wheel horn pad. The new extended-wheelbase Chrysler Town & Country LX and Touring models feature Chrysler's prominent winged badge, which also extends the entire width of the grille and features a new gray grille texture. Also included is a new front fascia with sculpted dual headlamps and a molded-in license plate pocket. The side view features a new color-keyed body-side molding and 15-inch wheel covers. New Chrysler Town & Country Touring badging appears on the liftgate. The new 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT comes with a distinctive new U-shaped grille and black grille bars - a design cue shared with the new Dodge Magnum. The front fascia is new with a molded-in license plate pocket and new fog lamps. New body color bodyside moldings with chrome inserts highlight the side view along with 16-inch "Ingot" wheels. SXT badging appears on the liftgate. Dodge Grand Caravan SE also features the new U-shaped grille appearance with black grille bars, an integrated molded-in license plate pocket, and a new mold-in color bodyside molding. Also new for 2005 is a Stow 'n Go seat that allows the second- and third-row seat to be folded into the floor. Stow 'n Go will be standard on the highline long-wheelbase minivans which include the 2005 Chrysler Town & Country LX, Touring and Limited, and the 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT. Stow 'n Go will also be available on 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan SE. |
IIHS CRASH TEST RESULTS 'GOOD' FOR EIGHT OF NINE MIDSIZE SUVS
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The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) recently conducted new 40 mph crash tests on nine new and redesigned midsize SUVs. Out of the nine tested, eight received "good" ratings. Most also received "best pick" designations. The models receiving a "good" rating include Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Murano, Chrysler Pacifica, Honda Pilot, Kia Sorento, Mitsubishi Endeavor, Lexus RX 330, Infiniti FX and Cadillac SRX. All received "best pick" designations except the Endeavor, which still received a "good" rating, and the Sorento. The Kia Sorento was the only model tested that got an "acceptable" rating. The Institute said that the redesigned Toyota 4Runner showed significant improvement compared with the previous generation, which was tested in 1996. The new model had minimal intrusion into the passenger compartment, a more stable steering column and lower injury measures on the crash test dummy, IIHS said. Vehicle ratings reflect performance in 40 mph frontal offset crash tests into a deformable barrier. Based on the results, IIHS evaluates the crashworthiness, assigning each vehicle a rating from good to poor overall. This test is especially demanding of the vehicle's structure since only a small area of the vehicle's front-end hits the barrier. In this type of test, intrusion into the occupant compartment is more likely to occur than in a full-width test. |
GM UNVEILS NEW CROSSOVER MINIVANS
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On December 4, 2003, General Motors unveiled two upcoming models for 2005 - the Buick Terraza and the Saturn Relay. Both models offer the seating capacity, comfort and safety features of a minivan, while sporting some of the exterior styling cues of an SUV. Terraza and Relay will offer seven-passenger seating and will be available in two trim levels. Both will offer standard 17-inch wheels, a 3.5-liter V6 engine and a wide variety of safety and convenience features. Information on availability, production timing and pricing for the 2005 Terraza and Relay will be released at a later date. |
SAAB SUV ANNOUNCED, COMPANY'S FIRST
2005 Saab 9-7X
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Continuing the biggest product offensive in its history, Saab has announced its latest new model and first sport utility vehicle, the 2005 Saab 9-7X. Featuring standard all-wheel-drive and two engine choices, the mid-size SUV will fill Saab's need for an entry in this rapidly growing market segment. The Saab 9-7X will make its world debut at the 2004 New York Auto Show in April 2004, and will go on sale about one year later. Initially, the 9-7X will be produced specifically for the United States and Canadian markets. "The Saab 9-7X is the perfect addition to our model mix," said Debra Kelly-Ennis, President and COO of Saab Cars USA. "It allows us to join the growing mid-luxury SUV market, one of the fastest growing segments, with a dynamic, premium vehicle." The new 9-7X will be built at GM's Moraine Assembly plant in Ohio, beginning in the first quarter of 2005. Saab Cars USA, based in Norcross, GA, is the importer and distributor of Saab 9-3 and 9-5 automobiles. |
VOLVO RELEASES PHOTO OF ALL-NEW V50 SPORTSWAGON
2005 Volvo V50
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Volvo Car Corporation is releasing the first photographs of its all-new sportswagon, the Volvo V50. The model made its debut at the Bologna Motor Show on December 4th 2003. The Volvo V50 replaces the current V40, which was launched in the United States in 1999. Sales of the new model will begin in the U.S. in summer, 2004 as a 2005 model. The Volvo V50 is being introduced with a choice of innovative 5-cylinder engines: a normally aspirated 2.4-liter unit producing 168-horsepower, and a 2.5-liter 218-horsepower light-pressure turbocharged T5 engine. Electronically controlled all-wheel drive will be optional. Like the all-new Volvo S40, the Volvo V50 will be built at the Volvo Cars plant in Ghent, Belgium. Volvo's production operations in Born in the Netherlands will cease with the phasing out of the previous Volvo S40 and V40 models. The Ghent Plant which, when fully extended, will be the company's largest production unit with an annual capacity of 270,000 cars. The all-new V50 is the second in a range of new Volvo models sharing common technology with Ford and Mazda. |
SUBARU ANNOUNCES 2004 BAJA PRICING
2004 Subaru Baja
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Subaru of America, Inc. recently announced the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for 2004 model year Baja models. The 2004 Baja model lineup now includes a Baja Sport and an all-new Baja Turbo. The Turbo model combines the functionality of the current Baja models with a new 2.5-liter DOHC intercooled turbo engine. This engine delivers 210 horsepower at 5600 RPM and 235 pound feet of torque at 3600 RPM. The Baja Turbo features an AM/FM Stereo w/ 6-disc in-dash CD changer and six speakers. Sportshift and Variable Torque Distribution (VTD) AWD are standard on the automatic transmission models. The Baja Turbo is offered with a cloth interior or with a Leather Package. The Leather Package model includes: 6-way power driver's seat, leather-trimmed upholstery, dual mode heated front seats, driver's seat adjustable lumbar support, and automatic transmission as standard equipment. The MSRP for the new Baja Turbo with manual transmission is $23,995. The optional automatic transmission with Sportshift and VTD adds $1,000. The Baja Turbo with Leather Package model has an MSRP of $26,295. New standard features for 2004 Baja Sport include a dash storage pocket, medium gray metallic audio face plate, and gray flat woven upholstery with black vinyl bolsters. MSRP of the 2004 Baja Sport with manual transmission remains unchanged at $21,995. With an automatic transmission it starts at $22,795.
With the exception of the dark tinted rear privacy glass, the 2004 Baja meets all federal passenger car safety standards. Destination and delivery charge has increased to $550 as with all Subaru 2004 MY vehicles. All 2004 Baja models comply with Low Emission Vehicle Standards and are certified for sale in all 50 states. All Baja models are classified by the EPA as Light Duty Trucks. |
Download Feature News Word Document
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CARS |
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Year |
Make |
Cyl |
Model |
Dr |
Location |
Invoice |
Ref # |
| 04 | Chevy | 6 | Impala Sedan | 4 | La Place, LA | $20,746 | 24704 |
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TRUCKS |
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Year |
Make |
Cyl |
Model |
Location |
Invoice |
Ref # |
| 04 | Chevy | 8 | Avalanche 1500 4WD | Corcoran, CA | $32,216 | 02940C |
| 04 | Chevy | 8 | Tahoe 2WD | Lawrenceville, GA | $35,756 | 21253 |
| 04 | Chevy | 8 | Silverado 2WD Reg. Cab P/U | Kenner, LA | $21,640 | 11897 |
| 04 | Chevy | 8 | Silverado 2WD Reg. Cab P/U | Kenner, LA | $21,640 | 11898 |
| 04 | Chevy | 8 | Silverado 4WD Reg. Cab P/U | Mandan, ND | $25,786 | 52638 |
| 04 | Dodge | 8 | Ram Quad Cab 4x2 P/U | Simi Valley, CA | $25,541 | 04002 |
| 04 | Ford | 10 | F450 Chassis Cab 4x2 | Tustin, CA | $25,008 | 19101 |
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When a "stock
purchase" is desired, you may consider using a vehicle from the
ARI "pool" to save money and time.
Call your ARI representative for details! |
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2004 MODEL YEAR STARTUP & FINAL ORDER DUE DATES
DaimlerChrysler
Model 2004 Production Startup Date*
2004 Fleet Final Order Due Date
Cars/Minivans
Sebring Sedan, Convertible 1/21/03 TBD Stratus Sedan 1/21/03 TBD Sebring/Stratus Coupe 7/24/03 TBD Neon 7/21/03 TBD 2004 Concorde, Intrepid, 300M ** ** Special Paint: Intrepid Police, Special Service TBD TBD Voyager, Caravan, Grand Caravan *** 7/21/03 10/31/03 Town & Country *** 7/21/03 10/31/03 2004 Pacifica 1/16/03 TBD Trucks
Grand Cherokee 1/2/03 TBD Durango 10/1/03 TBD Wrangler 7/21/03 TBD Liberty 7/7/03 TBD DR Ram 1500 7/28/03 TBD DR Ram 2500 7/28/03 TBD DR Ram 3500 7/28/03 TBD Special Equipment: Ram Regular Pickup, Quad Cab 7/28/03 TBD Dakota Regular Pickup, Quad Cab, Club Cab 7/28/03 TBD Special Equipment: Dakota Regular Pickup, Quad Cab, Club Cab 7/28/03 TBD PT Cruiser 6/23/03 TBD *Final order dates, startup dates and order bank opening dates are subject to change. To ensure consideration for production when placing final orders, orders must be placed in the DaimlerChrysler Order System by the above mentioned dates. Actual production, however, is subject to capacity limitations. Please submit your orders to ARI at least two business days prior to the final order date.
**Anticipated production start-up of the replacement vehicle for Concorde, Intrepid and 300M, based on DaimlerChryslerís new LX platform, is first quarter 2004.
*** AWD Minivan models are no longer available for ordering.
Ford, Lincoln & Mercury
Model 2004 Production Startup Date*
2004 Fleet Final Order Due Date
Cars/Minivans
LS 7/14/03 TBD Town Car 7/14/03 TBD Crown Victoria 7/21/03 TBD Crown Victoria Police 7/21/03 TBD Crown Victoria Natural Gas (CNG) January 2004 TBD Grand Marquis 7/21/03 TBD Marauder TBD TBD Mustang 8/4/03 2/19/04 Focus 9/22/03 1/30/04 Taurus 8/4/03 2/26/04 Sable 8/4/03 2/26/04 Taurus Flex Fuel Vehicle (FFV) 8/4/03 2/26/04 T-Bird 7/14/03 TBD Freestar 8/25/03 TBD Monterey 8/25/03 TBD Trucks
Econoline Van/Wagon/Cutaway 9/15/03 TBD Econoline Van/Wagon/Cutaway Dedicated Natural Gas January 2004 TBD F-Series Light Duty – Super Crew (all-new F-150) 7/21/03 TBD F-Series Light Duty – Super Cab and Regular Cab "Heritage" 8/18/03 TBD F-Series Light Duty – Super Cab and Regular Cab (all-new F-150) 6/9/03 TBD F-Series Super Duty 7/14/03 TBD F-Series SD Strip Chassis 8/4/03 TBD F150 Bi-Fuel CNG 11/10/03 TBD F150 Dedicated CNG 9/15/03 TBD F150 LPG 11/10/03 TBD Escape 6/9/03 10/17/03 Ranger 8/4/03 TBD Navigator 8/4/03 TBD Expedition 8/4/03 TBD Explorer 4DR 8/4/03 TBD Mountaineer 8/4/03 TBD Explorer Sport Trac 8/4/03 TBD Excursion 7/14/03 TBD Aviator 8/18/03 TBD F650/750 12/9/02 1/28/04 * Some model lines may have varying buildout/startup dates depending on which assembly plant the vehicle is produced at. The dates shown above represent the earliest tentative buildout/startup date for each model. Models that may have varying dates include: Taurus/Sable, Explorer/Mountaineer, F-Series LD, F-Series SD and Ranger. All dates are tentative and may change without notice. Selected options may be balanced out earlier due to high demand and capacity shortages. Fordís acceptance of an order is not a production commitment
GM
Model 2004 Production Startup Date*
2004 Fleet Final Order Due Date
Cars
BUICK Century 6/19/03 TBD Regal 6/19/03 TBD LeSabre 6/5/03 TBD Park Avenue 6/5/03 TBD CADILLAC Seville 6/20/03 10/15/03 Deville 6/20/03 TBD CTS 6/9/03 TBD XLR 5/5/03 TBD CHEVROLET Malibu Classic 6/2/03 TBD Malibu (all-new) 8/11/03 TBD Malibu Maxx TBD TBD Impala 6/19/03 TBD Impala Police/Taxi TBD TBD Monte Carlo 6/19/03 TBD Cavalier 6/9/03 TBD Cavalier w/KL6 CNG Bi-Fuel Eng. TBD TBD Corvette 6/23/03 TBD OLDSMOBILE Alero 6/4/03 TBD PONTIAC Sunfire 6/9/03 TBD Grand Am 6/2/03 TBD Grand Prix 2/3/03 TBD Bonneville 10/15/03 TBD Bonneville GXP Dec. 2003 TBD Vibe 5/5/03 TBD Trucks/Minivans
CHEVROLET Tracker 6/16/03 11/7/03 Avalanche 8/4/03 TBD Special Equipment: Avalanche TBD TBD Venture 6/23/03 TBD Special Equipment: Venture TBD TBD Colorado 10/8/03 TBD S-10 Crew Cab 6/16/03 12/15/03 Special Equipment: S-10 Crew Cab TBD TBD Blazer 6/16/03 TBD Special Equipment: Blazer TBD TBD Trailblazer 6/16/03 TBD Special Equipment: Trailblazer TBD TBD Trailblazer EXT 7/14/03 TBD Special Equipment: Trailblazer EXT TBD TBD Express 6/20/03 TBD Special Equipment: Express TBD TBD Silverado ** 6/23/03 TBD Special Equipment: Silverado TBD TBD Tahoe 6/23/03 TBD Special Equipment: Tahoe TBD TBD Suburban 6/23/03 TBD Special Equipment: Suburban TBD TBD Astro 7/21/03 TBD Special Equipment: Astro TBD TBD SSR 10/31/03 TBD Kodiac C4500, C5500 TBD TBD Kodiac C6500, C7500, C8500 TBD TBD GMC Sonoma (Crew Cab) 6/16/03 12/15/03 Special Equipment: Sonoma (Crew Cab) TBD TBD Canyon 10/8/03 TBD Envoy 6/16/03 TBD Special Equipment: Envoy TBD TBD Envoy XL 7/14/03 TBD Special Equipment: Envoy XL TBD TBD Envoy XUV 7/21/03 TBD Special Equipment: Envoy XUV TBD TBD Savana 6/20/03 TBD Special Equipment: Savana TBD TBD Sierra ** 6/23/03 TBD Special Equipment: Sierra TBD TBD Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali/Denali XL 6/23/03 TBD Special Equipment: Yukon/Yukon XL/Denali/Denali XL TBD TBD Safari 7/21/03 TBD Special Equipment: Safari TBD TBD Topkick C4500, C5500 TBD TBD Topkick C6500, C7500, C8500 TBD TBD BUICK Rendezvous 6/2/03 TBD Ranier 7/14/03 TBD CADILLAC Escalade 6/23/03 TBD Escalade EXT 8/4/03 TBD SRX 6/16/03 TBD OLDSMOBILE Silhouette 6/23/03 TBD Bravada 6/16/03 TBD PONTIAC Montana 6/23/03 TBD Aztec 6/2/03 TBD * The above GM dates are estimated and may change without notice. Some model lines may have varying buildout/startup dates depending on which assembly plant the vehicle is produced at. The dates shown above represent the earliest tentative buildout/startup date for each model.
** The final order due date for all 2500 Series Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra Regular and Extended Cab models with option (C6P) 8600 LB GVWR is 10/10/03.
Hummer
Model 2004 Production Startup Date 2004 Fleet Final Order Due Date H2 8/18/03 TBD
Mazda
Model 2004 Production Startup Date*
2004 Fleet Final Order Due Date
Protégé/Protégé 5 9/16/03 TBD Miata 7/22/03 TBD MPV 8/20/03 TBD Tribute Mid-June TBD B-Series Truck August TBD Mazda6 8/4/03 TBD RX8 3/14/03 TBD
Nissan
Model 2004 Production Startup Date*
2004 Fleet Final Order Due Date
Altima (50 State Emissions) 9/22/03 TBD Altima (CA Emissions) 10/20/03 TBD Sentra (50 State & CA) 5/1/03 TBD Maxima 4/23/03 TBD Pathfinder 11/1/03 TBD Pathfinder Armada 11/1/03 TBD Xterra 11/1/03 TBD Quest 7/1/03 TBD Frontier 11/1/03 TBD Murano 10/1/03 TBD Titan 12/1/03 TBD
SAAB
Model 2004 Production Startup Date*
2004 Fleet Final Order Due Date
9-3 Sport Sedan 8/11/03 TBD 9-3 Convertible TBD TBD 9-5 Sedan 8/11/03 TBD 9-5 Sport Wagon 8/11/03 TBD
Saturn
Model 2004 Production Startup Date*
2004 Fleet Final Order Due Date
ION 7/17/03 TBD L-Series 7/14/03 TBD VUE 8/25/03 TBD
Subaru
Model 2004 Production Startup Date*
2004 Fleet Final Order Due Date
Forester May-03 TBD Legacy/Outback June-03 TBD Impreza March-03 TBD Baja June-03 TBD
Toyota
Model 2004 Production Startup Date*
2004 Fleet Final Order Due Date
Corolla April-03 TBD Camry August-03 TBD Camry Solara July-03 TBD Celica August-03 TBD Avalon June-03 TBD Sienna April-03 TBD RAV4/RAV4 EV August-03 TBD 4Runner August-03 TBD Tacoma August-03 TBD Tundra August-03 TBD Sequoia September-03 TBD Land Cruiser August-03 TBD Highlander September-03 TBD Echo August-03 TBD Pruis September-03 TBD Matrix April-03 TBD
Volvo
Model 2004 Production Startup Date*
2004 Fleet Final Order Due Date
S40 5/1/03 TBD S60 5/1/03 TBD S80 5/1/03 TBD V40 5/1/03 TBD V70 5/1/03 TBD C70 Coupe 4/1/03 TBD C70 Convertible 4/1/03 TBD XC90 5/1/03 TBD XC70 5/1/03 TBD
